TOTTENVILLE — An older Tottenville-based shopping center at the intersection of Amboy Road and Page Avenue is undergoing a renovation that will ultimately make it fresh and inviting come next summer.

Tottenville Square, managed by Rivercrest Realty Investors, will add Walgreens to the section of the plaza once occupied by Burger King and Dolphin Fitness Club.

According to Rivercrest site real estate manager Helen Vitaliano, the location will gain about 9,300 square feet of retail space. The expansion will extend toward Page and include the Qdoba Mexican Grill.

A second floor with approximately 9,000 square feet of retail space will be built on top of the new wing.

The plaza is currently home to Thriftway Cards and Gifts, Cosmic Nails, Villa Monte pizzeria, W's Bar & Restaurant, Sharda Wine & Liquor, Blow Out Hair Studio, and Quest Diagnostics. The nail salon will move to another space once the plaza is renovated, said Ms. Vitaliano.

"All of our existing merchants will be staying," she said, noting that each business owner is locked into a lease.

The current facade, with its fading red signs, will be completely replaced with a brick design and new signage.

The renovation includes new lighting, a reconfigured parking lot and the application of fresh asphalt in the lot, she said.

HAD TO HAPPEN

Tottenville Square was last renovated about 15 years ago, long after the A&P Supermarket, which once anchored the complex, closed.

During construction, two sections of the lot are closed to the public, leaving just one access point for vehicles.

"People are getting frustrated with parking here. Some people don't want to come in [the plaza] because they're frustrated," said W's employee Rachel Corcione. "And some people think we're closed."

But she called the project long overdue, and hopes it brings additional revenue to the restaurant, which was once packed during lunchtime until other plazas and restaurants opened along Page Avenue.

Shopper Jack Long of New Jersey said entering and exiting the lot is a bit of a problem, "But things come with the territory."

Ms. Vitaliano said merchants have been cooperative during the work.

"Any time you're under construction, [access] is an issue. It's not an ideal situation. As construction progresses, I think it'll be better," she said. "This is a long time coming."